UPSC & Central Govt · Updated October 2026
UPSC CMS ExamEligibility, Syllabus, Exam Pattern, Salary, Cut-Off, PYQs and Free Mock Test
UPSC Combined Medical Services (CMS)
Conducted annually by the UPSC, the Combined Medical Services examination recruits Medical Officers for the Central Health Service, Indian Ordnance Factories, Indian Railways, and New Delhi Municipal Council. It consists of two computer-based clinical papers followed by a Personality Test evaluating diagnostic and clinical aptitude.
- Type
- Recruitment
- Level
- National
- Conducting body
- UPSC
Start for free with UPSC CMS syllabus study notes, solved previous year papers, real-pattern mock tests and AI Tutor support.
UPSC CMS exam overview and highlights
About UPSC CMS
The Combined Medical Services (CMS) Examination is conducted by UPSC to recruit medical graduates as Medical Officers in central government organisations such as the Railways, the Central Health Service, and municipal bodies in Delhi. It has a computer-based written test followed by a personality test. The posts are Group A and Group B gazetted appointments.
The examination process for UPSC CMS comprises 2 stages: Computer-based written examination, followed by Personality Test. The official syllabus tests candidates across 5 core areas — General Medicine, Paediatrics, Surgery, Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Preventive and Social Medicine — focusing on conceptual clarity, speed, and accuracy. Final merit is the written examination (500 marks across two papers) plus the Personality Test (100 marks), followed by document verification and medical examination.
Key subjects
- General Medicine
- Paediatrics
- Surgery
- Gynaecology and Obstetrics
- Preventive and Social Medicine
What clearing UPSC CMS leads to
- Assistant Divisional Medical Officer, Indian Railways
- Junior Scale Medical Officer, Central Health Service
- General Duty Medical Officer, New Delhi Municipal Council
- General Duty Medical Officer, Municipal Corporation of Delhi
- Compensation & Pay Scale: Pay Level 10 (basic pay around ₹56,100) plus Non-Practising Allowance and other allowances
- Central / Institutional appointment through Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) merit recommendation
Quick facts
- Full name
- UPSC Combined Medical Services (CMS)
- Conducting body
- Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
- Frequency
- Once a year
- Exam mode
- Online (computer-based test)
- Languages
- English only
- Stages & papers
- 2 stages (2 papers total)
- Negative marking
- One-third of the marks of a question deducted per wrong answer
- Official website
- upsc.gov.in
UPSC CMS — Key Highlights & Official Particulars
Complete snapshot of UPSC CMS conducting authority, frequency, mode, stages, negative marking and official portal.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | UPSC CMS — UPSC Combined Medical Services (CMS) |
| Conducting Body | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Exam Category | UPSC & Central Govt |
| Exam Level | National level |
| Exam Type & Purpose | Recruitment (Direct Recruitment & Cadre Selection) |
| Exam Frequency | Once a year |
| Usual Notification & Exam Window | Notification in February; computer-based test in July; personality tests in the following months |
| Mode of Application | Online on upsc.gov.in through the One Time Registration (OTR) portal |
| Mode of Examination | Online (computer-based test) |
| Medium / Exam Languages | English only |
| Selection Stages | 2 Stages (2 Papers Total): Computer-based written examination → Personality Test |
| Negative Marking | One-third of the marks of a question deducted per wrong answer |
| Selection / Merit Process | Final merit is the written examination (500 marks across two papers) plus the Personality Test (100 marks), followed by document verification and medical examination. |
| Educational Qualification | MBBS degree with the written and practical parts of the final MBBS examination passed; candidates yet to complete internship may apply |
| Age Limit | Not more than 32 years on 1 August of the exam year, with the usual relaxations |
| Pay Scale / Salary Structure | Pay Level 10 (basic pay around ₹56,100) plus Non-Practising Allowance and other allowances |
| Merit Panel Validity | Valid for the notified recruitment cycle and reserve list period |
| Competition Scale | Tens of thousands of applicants for several hundred to around a thousand posts |
| Official Website | upsc.gov.in |
Summary for orientation only, last reviewed October 2026. Check eligibility, dates and pattern in the official notification.
UPSC CMS exam schedule, vacancy, fee and online application process
Standard annual cycle and application workflow for UPSC CMS. Confirm exact notification and closing dates on the official UPSC website.
| Examination Event | Typical Calendar Window | Cycle / Mode |
|---|---|---|
| UPSC CMS Official Notification & Information Bulletin | Notification in February; computer-based test in July; personality tests in the following months | Once a year |
| Online Registration & Application Fee Window | Typically remains open for 21 to 30 days from the date of notification release | Online Portal |
| Application Form Correction / Edit Window | 2 to 5 days immediately following the close of the online registration window | As Notified |
| Exam City Intimation & Admit Card Release | City slip 10–15 days prior; Hall Ticket / E-Admit Card 4 to 10 days before the exam date | Via Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| UPSC CMS — Computer-based written examination | Notification in February; computer-based test in July; personality tests in the following months | Online (computer-based test) |
| UPSC CMS — Personality Test | Typically 6 to 12 weeks after declaration of Stage 1 results | Shortlisted Candidates |
| Provisional Answer Key & Objection Representation Window | Within 3 to 10 days after completion of the objective examination shifts | Online Challenge |
| Final Answer Key, Normalized Result & Merit List / Scorecard | Typically 3 to 6 weeks after conclusion of the examination stage | Merit List PDF / Login |
- Vacancies & Competition
- Tens of thousands of applicants for several hundred to around a thousand posts. Exact post-wise, department-wise, and category-wise (UR, EWS, OBC, SC, ST, ESM, PwBD) vacancies are notified in the official UPSC CMS recruitment advertisement published by Union Public Service Commission (UPSC).
- Application Fee & Payment Norms
- Standard UPSC examination fee norms apply (typically ₹100 to ₹200 for General/OBC/EWS male candidates; Female, SC, ST, and PwBD candidates are fully exempted from payment of the application fee).
How to apply online for UPSC CMS
One-Time Registration (OTR) & Portal Login
Visit upsc.gov.in and complete your candidate registration using a valid email ID, active mobile number, and Aadhaar / government photo ID details. Online on upsc.gov.in through the One Time Registration (OTR) portal.
Fill Academic, Personal & Exam Centre Preferences
Log in to open the UPSC CMS application form. Enter your qualifying degree/board details, category/reservation status, medium of examination (English only), and choose 3 to 4 preferred test cities.
Upload Photograph, Signature & Category Certificates
Upload a recent passport-size photograph (in prescribed KB dimensions and light background), scanned running-hand signature, and valid SC/ST/OBC-NCL/EWS/PwBD/Domicile certificates where applicable.
Online Application Fee Payment & Confirmation Page
Pay the category-wise examination fee via UPI, Net Banking, Debit/Credit Card, or e-Challan before the closing deadline, then download and preserve the final UPSC CMS Confirmation Page / Application PDF for admit card and verification stages.
UPSC CMS eligibility criteria and age relaxation
Candidates applying for UPSC CMS must fulfil the academic qualification, age limit, nationality and category reservation rules notified by UPSC.
Educational qualification
MBBS degree with the written and practical parts of the final MBBS examination passed; candidates yet to complete internship may apply.
Age limit & relaxations
Not more than 32 years on 1 August of the exam year, with the usual relaxations.
Number of attempts
Unlimited attempts permitted as long as the candidate remains within the eligible category-wise upper age limit as on the crucial cut-off date.
Nationality & domicile
Indian citizen, with certain exceptions.
Other conditions & standards
Candidates must satisfy the prescribed medical fitness, character verification, and document authenticity norms (including valid EWS/OBC-NCL/SC/ST/PwBD certificates in the prescribed format) at the time of verification.
UPSC CMS — Category-Wise Upper Age Relaxation & Reservation Norms
| Category | Age Relaxation / Rule | Key Conditions & Documentation |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Caste (SC) / Scheduled Tribe (ST) (Central Government Norms) | +5 Years above prescribed upper age limit | Requires valid SC/ST certificate in the prescribed Government of India format. |
| Other Backward Classes — Non-Creamy Layer (OBC-NCL) (Central Government Norms) | +3 Years above prescribed upper age limit | Candidate must fall outside the Creamy Layer as on the crucial closing date of the online application. |
| Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD — UR / OBC / SC-ST) | +10 Years (UR) / +13 Years (OBC) / +15 Years (SC/ST) | Subject to post suitability and 40%+ benchmark disability certificate under the RPwD Act, 2016. |
| Ex-Servicemen (ESM) & Commissioned Officers (ECO / SSCO) | +3 to 5 Years after deducting military service rendered from actual age | Must produce discharge book / NOC from the competent defence authority at document verification. |
UPSC CMS selection process and exam pattern
Negative Marking & Evaluation Rule: One-third of the marks of a question deducted per wrong answer. Selection & Merit Weightage: Final merit is the written examination (500 marks across two papers) plus the Personality Test (100 marks), followed by document verification and medical examination.
Stage 1: Computer-based written examination
Online (computer-based test) • 2 Papers (Paper I: General Medicine and Paediatrics, Paper II: Surgery, Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Preventive and Social Medicine) • 240 Questions • 500 Total Marks • Duration: 2 hours • Two objective papers of 250 marks each held on the same day, covering clinical and preventive medicine subjects.
Two objective papers of 250 marks each held on the same day, covering clinical and preventive medicine subjects.
Paper / Section Questions Marks Duration Paper I: General Medicine and Paediatrics 120 250 2 hours Paper II: Surgery, Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Preventive and Social Medicine 120 250 2 hours Stage 2: Personality Test
In person • An interview of 100 marks for candidates who clear the written cut-off.
An interview of 100 marks for candidates who clear the written cut-off. The final list is based on 600 marks.
Stage 3: Document Verification, Medical Fitness & Final Cadre/Post Allotment
In-person verification by Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) • Original academic, age, category & domicile certificates • Medical fitness examination & final merit allocation
Candidates shortlisted in the final merit list undergo thorough verification of original educational, age, category and domicile certificates followed by a prescribed medical fitness examination before appointment letters and cadre/department allotments are issued.
UPSC CMS subject-wise syllabus and study material
SmartRank organizes chapter-wise study notes for every subject below in 12 languages, with an AI Tutor on hand for doubts. Start exploring for free, and unlock the complete syllabus with Learn or SmartRank Pass.
General Medicine — Part I (Cardiology)
- Cardiology
- Respiratory diseases
- Gastrointestinal and liver diseases
- Nephrology and genito-urinary system
General Medicine — Part II (Neurology and psychiatry)
- Neurology and psychiatry
- Endocrinology and metabolic disorders
- Infectious diseases and tropical medicine
- Haematology and dermatology
Paediatrics — Part I (Growth and development)
- Growth and development
- Neonatology
- Common childhood infections and immunisation
Paediatrics — Part II (Nutrition and nutritional disorders)
- Nutrition and nutritional disorders
- Paediatric emergencies
Surgery — Part I (General surgery and wounds)
- General surgery and wounds
- Trauma and shock
- Orthopaedics and fractures
Surgery — Part II (ENT and ophthalmology)
- ENT and ophthalmology
- Anaesthesiology and pre-operative care
- Urology and surgical oncology
Gynaecology and Obstetrics: Antenatal care and normal labour & Complications of pregnancy and labour
- Antenatal care and normal labour
- Complications of pregnancy and labour
- Family planning and contraception
- Menstrual disorders and infertility
- Gynaecological infections and tumours
Preventive and Social Medicine: Epidemiology and biostatistics & Communicable and non-communicable diseases
- Epidemiology and biostatistics
- Communicable and non-communicable diseases
- National health programmes
- Maternal and child health
- Environmental health and occupational health
- Health administration and planning
UPSC CMS salary, pay scale, job profile & career growth
Pay Level 10 (basic pay around ₹56,100) plus Non-Practising Allowance and other allowances. Appointments under Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) carry structured pay progression, statutory allowances, and time-bound departmental promotions.
Pay Scale & Grade Structure
Pay Level 10 (basic pay around ₹56,100) plus Non-Practising Allowance and other allowances.
Appointing / Cadre Authority
Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) (Central Government / Public Sector Service)
Allowances & Perks
Dearness Allowance (DA), HRA (X/Y/Z cities: 30%/20%/10%), Transport Allowance, CGHS/Medical cover, LTC, and NPS contribution.
Probation & Training
Initial probation period (typically 1 to 2 years) with induction/foundation training before cadre confirmation.
Allowances, Perks & Service Benefits
- Dearness Allowance (DA) revised bi-annually in line with Consumer Price Index (AICPI)
- House Rent Allowance (HRA) or official government quarters / leased accommodation
- Transport Allowance (TA), Leave Travel Concession (LTC), and Children Education Allowance
- Comprehensive medical care (CGHS / ECHS / State Health Scheme) for employee and dependents
- National Pension System (NPS) employer contribution, gratuity, and paid maternity/paternity/study leave
Promotion Hierarchy & Career Progression
- Entry-Level Cadre Appointment (Post allotment & induction training under Union Public Service Commission (UPSC))
- Senior / Higher Grade Scale via Time-Bound Financial Upgradation (MACP / Dynamic ACP)
- Sectional / Supervisory / Inspector / Assistant Executive Cadre via Departmental Promotion Committee (DPC) or LDCE
- Middle Management / Gazetted / Divisional Officer Scale
- Senior Administrative / Directorate / Executive Leadership Cadre
UPSC CMS cut-off trends, score normalization and safe target score
Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) releases stage-wise and category-wise UPSC CMS cut-off marks at each stage (Prelims/Tier-I shortlisting, Mains/Tier-II evaluation, and Final Merit List). Candidates must clear both minimum qualifying standards and overall/sectional merit cut-offs to advance.
UPSC CMS — Qualifying Standards & Safe Target Benchmarks
| Category | Qualifying Floor / Standard | Recommended Safe Target |
|---|---|---|
| General / Unreserved (UR) | 30% to 40% Minimum Qualifying Floor | 72% to 82% of Total Marks (95+ Percentile in Mock Tests) |
| General — Economically Weaker Section (GEN-EWS) | 25% to 35% Minimum Qualifying Floor | 68% to 78% of Total Marks |
| Other Backward Classes (OBC-NCL) | 25% to 35% Minimum Qualifying Floor | 68% to 78% of Total Marks |
| Scheduled Caste (SC) / Scheduled Tribe (ST) / PwBD | 20% to 30% Minimum Qualifying Floor | 58% to 70% of Total Marks |
Score Normalization & Marking Impact
When UPSC CMS is conducted across multiple shifts or sessions, Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) applies standard score normalization (Equi-Percentile or Mean-Standard Deviation method) to account for any variation in paper difficulty across shifts. Because raw marks are governed by one-third of the marks of a question deducted per wrong answer, maintaining high accuracy (85%+) significantly boosts your normalized score.
Factors Determining UPSC CMS Cut-Off
- Total number of notified vacancies / available seats across participating cadres and institutions
- Total number of registered vs actual appearing candidates in the UPSC CMS cycle
- Relative difficulty level of the question paper (and shift-wise variation in multi-shift CBT exams)
- Category-wise vertical (UR, EWS, OBC-NCL, SC, ST) and horizontal (PwBD, ESM, Women) reservation ratios
- Previous year cut-off trajectory and candidate score distribution at the top percentiles
UPSC CMS admit card, answer key and result guide
City slip 10–15 days prior • Admit Card 4–10 days before exam
UPSC CMS Exam City Intimation & Admit Card
Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) releases the advance Exam City Intimation Slip followed by the official UPSC CMS Hall Ticket / e-Admit Card on upsc.gov.in. No hard copy is sent by post; candidates must log in with their Registration Number and Date of Birth / Password to download it.
- Clear A4 printout of the UPSC CMS e-Admit Card with visible barcode and photograph
- Original valid Government Photo ID (Aadhaar Card, Passport, Voter ID, Driving Licence, or PAN Card)
- 2 recent passport-size photographs matching the image uploaded in the online application
- PwBD / Scribe certificate and undertaking (if availing compensatory time or scribe facility)
Within 3–10 days after the examination
UPSC CMS Provisional Answer Key & Objection Window
After conclusion of the objective test, Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) uploads the candidate response sheet and Provisional Answer Key on upsc.gov.in. Candidates can calculate their raw score and submit online representations against any ambiguous question or key discrepancy within the stipulated 48–72 hour window.
- Download your recorded Response Sheet PDF and match Question IDs with the Master Answer Key
- Calculate raw score using the official positive and negative marking formula
- Attach standard textbook / NCERT / official gazette proof if challenging any provisional key
- Review the Final Answer Key published after subject-expert scrutiny of all representations
3–6 weeks after stage completion
UPSC CMS Result, Scorecard & Merit List / Counselling
Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) declares the UPSC CMS result as a stage-wise Merit List PDF (with roll numbers and category cut-offs) and individual Normalized Scorecards on upsc.gov.in. Shortlisted candidates proceed to the next stage, Document Verification, or Centralised Counselling.
- Download and save your official UPSC CMS Scorecard / Rank Letter PDF immediately upon release
- Verify category-wise and sectional cut-off marks in the official result write-up notice
- Keep original matriculation, degree, caste/EWS, and domicile certificates ready for verification
- Track reserve list / multi-round seat allotment updates on the official website
UPSC CMS mock tests
Practice in the official UPSC CMS pattern on the Free plan, and unlock 10 full or sectional mocks every month, unlimited chapter and topic tests, and the CBT Exam Simulator with SmartRank Pass.
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UPSC CMS Full Mock Test 1
Computer-based written examination · 120 questions · 2 hours
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UPSC CMS Full Mock Test 2
Computer-based written examination · 120 questions · 2 hours
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UPSC CMS Full Mock Test 3
Computer-based written examination · 120 questions · 2 hours
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UPSC CMS Full Mock Test 4
Computer-based written examination · 120 questions · 2 hours
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UPSC CMS Full Mock Test 5
Computer-based written examination · 120 questions · 2 hours
UPSC CMS previous year papers
Papers come with a solution for every question. Read them, or attempt them as timed tests. See all UPSC CMS previous year papers by year
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Recent UPSC CMS question papers
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Complete 10-year UPSC CMS paper archive
Up to 10 years of solved papers with SmartRank Pass (4 years with Learn)
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Predicted questions for UPSC CMS
High-probability questions and topics for your next exam
How to prepare for UPSC CMS
- Revise final year MBBS subjects with emphasis on medicine, surgery and PSM, which carry most of the questions.
- Pay particular attention to Preventive and Social Medicine and national health programmes, as these are asked in detail.
- Practice MCQs under time pressure; 120 questions in two hours leaves about a minute per question.
- Go through previous years' CMS papers to see the recurring clinical scenarios.
- Avoid wild guessing because of the one-third negative marking.
- Read the official UPSC CMS notification carefully for the exact pattern, eligibility and selection stages.
UPSC CMS FAQs
Who can apply for UPSC CMS?
Candidates who have passed the written and practical parts of the final MBBS examination can apply. Those who have not completed internship may appear but must finish it before joining.
What is the age limit for UPSC CMS?
A candidate must not have attained 32 years of age on 1 August of the exam year. Reserved categories get the usual relaxation.
Is there negative marking in CMS?
Yes, one-third of the marks assigned to a question are deducted for each wrong answer.
Is the CMS exam online or offline?
The written part of CMS is a computer-based test with two papers of 120 questions each.
Which posts are filled through CMS?
Medical Officer posts in the Railways, the Central Health Service, the New Delhi Municipal Council and the Municipal Corporation of Delhi.
What is the selection process and exam pattern for UPSC CMS?
UPSC CMS is conducted by Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) across 2 stages: Computer-based written examination → Personality Test. Final merit is the written examination (500 marks across two papers) plus the Personality Test (100 marks), followed by document verification and medical examination.
What is the age limit and educational qualification for UPSC CMS?
Educational Qualification: MBBS degree with the written and practical parts of the final MBBS examination passed; candidates yet to complete internship may apply. Age Limit: Not more than 32 years on 1 August of the exam year, with the usual relaxations.
What is the salary and job profile after clearing UPSC CMS?
Pay Level 10 (basic pay around ₹56,100) plus Non-Practising Allowance and other allowances.
When is the UPSC CMS notification released and how can I apply online?
UPSC CMS is held once a year (Notification in February; computer-based test in July; personality tests in the following months). Online on upsc.gov.in through the One Time Registration (OTR) portal.
Where can I practice free UPSC CMS mock tests and solved previous year papers?
Select UPSC CMS as your target exam on SmartRank to get chapter-by-chapter study material built around its syllabus covering General Medicine, Paediatrics, Surgery, Gynaecology and Obstetrics, solved previous year question papers, topic and full-length mock tests in the exact UPSC CMS pattern, a timed exam simulator, subject-wise analytics, an adaptive daily study plan and an AI Tutor.
How can I prepare for UPSC CMS on SmartRank?
Select UPSC CMS as your target exam on SmartRank to get chapter-by-chapter study material built around its syllabus covering General Medicine, Paediatrics, Surgery, Gynaecology and Obstetrics, solved previous year question papers, topic and full-length mock tests in the exact UPSC CMS pattern, a timed exam simulator, subject-wise analytics, an adaptive daily study plan and an AI Tutor.